Image source: Tanglaw’s Official Facebook Page (for review purposes only).

Last Sunday (10/12/2025), we had the chance to watch Mithi: Isang Musikal, the debut production of Tanglaw: Tanghalang Pitong Lawa.

Before anything else, let’s make this clear: this is only an opinion based mainly on what we witnessed and experienced during the show, with a sprinkle of our own background as a theater couple and parents supporting kids who are discovering this craft. Defensive yarn?! Explain agad lol.

It didn’t feel like a school at all once the lights dimmed and the music started. It felt like stepping into another world.

As for the lights, there were a few timing slips here and there, maybe some technical hiccups, but overall, the coordination showed. Nothing major to complain about, they still delivered a visually beautiful experience.

The Performers

Now let’s shift our attention to the actors, starting with the dancers.

I remember there were five of them, but my kids were insisting there were seven. Anyway, I only remember five lol.

Overall, they were really good dancers. I don’t know how to dance, so you know where I’m coming from lol.

The guy who said the line “Mas malaki bigayan dito” delivered it so well, smart, timed perfectly, but sadly, his mic betrayed him. The line got lost among the sounds and movement. Sayang, it could’ve been a standout moment. Still, his switch between good and evil sides was done beautifully.

The second guy dancer, the taller one, was okay as the good guy but he was pretty damn effective when he turned evil. There was something about his stance and energy that immediately changed.

The short-haired girl danced gracefully, though it felt like something was missing, maybe she was too focused on the choreography and blocking? 

Then the girl in blue, who danced with confidence whether she was good or evil, had this unforgettable moment when she came so close to the kids in the audience and made eye contact. The kids got scared a bit, but for me, that was a perfect, subtle breaking of the fourth wall.

Lastly, there was the other girl, the one my wife found pretty and who, for me and the kids, looked a bit like Bianca Umali. Sanggre Terra vibes! Just like the girl in blue, she was consistent and expressive in both her roles.

Though I felt her first appearance was a bit abrupt. I was hoping for more buildup, maybe a slow walk around Arman, a gentle moment of longing and pity before the song. That could’ve added layers to the scene and deepened the emotional connection. Still, her sincerity came through.

As a guardian figure, I imagined a gentler, “malumanay” lolo, wise and calm. His singing voice was good, though during his solo, I noticed a small slip, parang nag-ASAP Live or band performance mode for a second lol. It was quick but noticeable. He had the strictness of a lolo, but I wish he connected more with Arman instead of turning away.

When he became the Father near the end, though, he seemed suddenly shy and unsure. Maybe that was intentional, to show contrast, but it did feel like a big shift from his earlier confidence.

Hira, the Dreamwata of Ordinary Dreams, was lovely, soft, and caring, with that gentle swaying movement that perfectly fit her role.

Yama, the Dreamwata of Vivid Dreams, was our favorite. So natural, so comfortable on stage.

Nawa, the Dreamwata of Lucid Dreams, was great too. I just wish he had broken the fourth wall for a quick “Kuya Kim” moment explaining lucid dreaming, the kids up front would’ve loved that kind of interaction.

Ri, the Dreamwata of False Awakening, was witty and charming. She could’ve easily stolen the show, but she stayed balanced, always complementing the others. We found ourselves anticipating her next punchline every time she appeared.

In the first scenes, he leaned heavily on sadness, lots of tears, visible emotion, but I felt he could’ve explored more. Maybe start with confusion, fear, or even numbness before the sadness returns. That variation could’ve made his emotional journey richer.

And yes, we noticed the fallen wig from the previous scene! It could’ve been naturally included in his movement if he was exploring that confusion or exhaustion.

Apologies for the unsolicited opinions and advice, we really mean well. It’s all coming from love and admiration for their craft.

The Story

The story itself is relatable and easy to understand. The characters are lovable, the naming of places and characters spot on. It felt familiar, yet magical, like a bedtime story that grew up with us.

The only thing that felt a bit too safe for me was how Mithi (Arman) defeated Bangungot. Characters becoming powerful because of will, friendship, and love, it’s beautiful, but it’s also a little too familiar. Still, it worked within the world they built.

If there was a book version, I’d definitely read it. That’s how much the story still stuck with us even after the curtain fell.

Final Thoughts

For a debut production, Mithi: Isang Musikal was impressive, magical, heartfelt, and ambitious. Tanglaw: Tanghalang Pitong Lawa truly lived up to their name, bringing light to a new stage of creativity.

We saw talent, passion, and community come alive that night. And more than the technicals or the small misses, it’s that shared heartbeat of storytelling that made it special.